The Iowa is now state-of-the-art with a new retractable screen, sound system, and digital projection system. A new, enlarged concession area with beer, wine and hard cider available. New seating accommodates 148 (81main floor and 67 in balcony). The main floor is handicap accessible.
The first movie shown in the restored theater was John Wayne’s classic “Stagecoach” (1939) on May 25, 2017 and the official Grand Reopening celebration took place on May 28, 2017 with showings of “Field of Dreams” (1988, shot in Iowa) and “The Bridges of Madison County” (1995, filmed right in Madison County).
The Iowa Theatre is being purchased by a local person who has the wherewithal AND the intention to “restore, renovate, and update the facility” and to transform it “into a multi-use space that can not only screen movies digitally and in 35mm, but also become a location where educational, musical, and other programs can be offered.” Great news for this gem!
The Iowa Theatre is now closed (June 2, 2015). It was closed by the owners on Wednesday, May 27, 2015. The Theatre is now for sale.
The Iowa Theatre struggled in a community of 5,000 and found it difficult to compete with numerous multiplex theatre operations located about a half hour away in Des Moines, even though their ticket and concession prices were generally half as much as in Des Moines.
A committee was formed in May of 2013 to help raise awareness and build sufficient business to justify converting to a digital projection system at a cost of $41,000, as the studios would stop distributing movies on 35mm film at the end of that year. Despite substantial efforts, business remained spotty and the Theatre was unable to convert.
They continued on by showing recently-released DVDs once a week at 7pm on Saturday until the owners (out-of-state relatives of the theatre operator) closed the theatre and put it up for sale.
Hopefully new owners will be found who can invest in restoring this wonderful theatre and return it once again to showing first-run films.
The website http://www.iowatheatrewinterset.com is presently inactive, but may return if the theatre reopens.
The theater was purchased and renovated in 2017. It now shows movies as well as stage plays, musical performances, etc.
This is the theater before the 2017 renovation.
This is the theater before the 2017 renovation.
The Iowa is now state-of-the-art with a new retractable screen, sound system, and digital projection system. A new, enlarged concession area with beer, wine and hard cider available. New seating accommodates 148 (81main floor and 67 in balcony). The main floor is handicap accessible.
The Iowa Theater in Winterset is once again open! Local resident Marianne Fons and her daughter Rebecca spent two years rehabilitating, restoring and preserving the theater. The Iowa Theater is a 501 © 3 non-profit, multi-use performance center for the community. The Winterset Stage will also produce live performances on the Iowa Theater stage.
The first movie shown in the restored theater was John Wayne’s classic “Stagecoach” (1939) on May 25, 2017 and the official Grand Reopening celebration took place on May 28, 2017 with showings of “Field of Dreams” (1988, shot in Iowa) and “The Bridges of Madison County” (1995, filmed right in Madison County).
The Iowa Theatre is being purchased by a local person who has the wherewithal AND the intention to “restore, renovate, and update the facility” and to transform it “into a multi-use space that can not only screen movies digitally and in 35mm, but also become a location where educational, musical, and other programs can be offered.” Great news for this gem!
The Iowa Theatre is now closed (June 2, 2015). It was closed by the owners on Wednesday, May 27, 2015. The Theatre is now for sale.
The Iowa Theatre struggled in a community of 5,000 and found it difficult to compete with numerous multiplex theatre operations located about a half hour away in Des Moines, even though their ticket and concession prices were generally half as much as in Des Moines.
A committee was formed in May of 2013 to help raise awareness and build sufficient business to justify converting to a digital projection system at a cost of $41,000, as the studios would stop distributing movies on 35mm film at the end of that year. Despite substantial efforts, business remained spotty and the Theatre was unable to convert.
They continued on by showing recently-released DVDs once a week at 7pm on Saturday until the owners (out-of-state relatives of the theatre operator) closed the theatre and put it up for sale.
Hopefully new owners will be found who can invest in restoring this wonderful theatre and return it once again to showing first-run films.
The website http://www.iowatheatrewinterset.com is presently inactive, but may return if the theatre reopens.